Plains coreopsis
Coreopsis tinctoria · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant plains coreopsis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to September
- Mature size
- 16 to 32 inches tall, 12 to 20 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to -4°F
- Origin
- North America
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to medium
Care
Sunlight
Plant your coreopsis in full sun, at least 6 hours per day, for generous and colorful blooming. It tolerates heat very well and handles exposed locations. Partial shade will reduce flower production.
Watering
Water moderately at planting, then gradually space out waterings. Once established, the plant is very drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during long dry periods. Avoid excess water that promotes rot.
Soil
Well-drained soil, even poor or chalky, works perfectly. Coreopsis dislikes overly rich or compacted soil. Lightly enrich the soil at planting if very depleted, but don't overdo it.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is plenty. Rich soils risk promoting foliage at the expense of flowers. No need to refertilize during the growing season.
Pruning and pinching
Pinch young plants in spring to promote a compact, bushy shape. Deadhead faded flowers regularly to extend blooming until the first frosts. Cut stems to ground level in late fall or early spring.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy, coreopsis is seldom troubled by disease. Powdery mildew may appear in warm, humid conditions; improve air circulation. Watch for spider mites during prolonged dry spells.
Did you know?
Its scientific name 'tinctoria' recalls its historical use by dyers, particularly in North America, who extracted yellow and red pigments from its flowers to dye textiles. Today, it remains a prized dye plant in natural dyeing among ecological textile artisans.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.